Functional title: Task Manager for the Feasibility Study for Social Housing in Kosovo
Duty station of assignment: Home-based and Kosovo (three missions)
Contract type: Consultancy Assignment (IC)
Duration of assignment: 5 working months over the period from Jan 2021 to Jun 2021
Closing date for applications: 7 January 2021

BACKGROUND

Note: This is a re-advertisement. Those who have already applied, need not re-apply.
UN-Habitat has been actively assisting Kosovo institutions in the field of governance, spatial planning and municipal administration since 1999. Building on the results and tools generated by the Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme, UN-Habitat is implementing the Inclusive Development Programme supported by the Swedish Development Cooperation which aims to provide a strategic, comprehensive package of support to build municipal planning and management capacities, strengthen the social contract and social cohesion, and enhance coordination within a framework of inter-municipal cooperation and multi-level governance with a view to foster inclusive development and good governance in northern Kosovo.

In addition, UN-Habitat is supporting the Kosovo Government, respectively Department of Planning, Construction and Housing in the Ministry of Economy and Environment to conduct a feasibility study for a sustainable social housing programe in Kosovo. This study is supported with funding from the Italian Fund for Innovative Projects (IFIP) received through the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). In course of this support and in responding to the priorities set out by the Kosovo National Investment Committee, support will be provided under two components:

• Setting the scene and parameters for the further development of a social housing programme and
• Elaboration of programme concept

For more general information on UN-Habitat in Kosovo, and details refer to the website: http://www.unhabitat-kosovo.org

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The general purpose of the assignment is to conduct a feasibility study for a social housing project in Kosovo, by coordinating closely with the Ministry of Economy and Environment (Kosovo government/local and central level institutions), UN-Habitat HQ Housing branch, and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The incumbent should also liaise with central civil society, university, and other relevant stakeholders dealing with housing.

SKILL SETS REQUIRED
A range of skills will be required: housing policy and finance, housing rights, spatial and urban planning, local economic development planning, land management, human settlements, ability to collect, record and interpret data; ability to interpret legislative framework relating to housing and planning and a good working knowledge of the housing needs assessment methodologies, project or programme management and/or development, including at least two at the international level. Experience in post-conflict areas is an added advantage.

MAIN TASKS
Under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser, including the substantive guidance from the Land Housing and Shelter, the Task Manager will be responsible for performing the following main tasks:

• Prepare the inception report general work plan (schedule and project timeline) and methodology for undertaking the feasibility study for social housing programme in Kosovo;
• Draft ToRs for new staff, guide and coordinate the project local/international staff with profiles in housing policy, sustainable housing, migration and governance housing, and housing finance);
• Draft, lead quality assurance and ensure that all outputs (Kosovo-wide investment and technical assistance needs assessment and analysis of sustainable social housing options; Social Housing programme concept) are in alignment with the Kosovo context;
• Address all thematic issues included in the ToRs for FS (which will be submitted later to the Consultant by UN-Habitat staff) are covered by:
  • the Kosovo-wide assessment (housing provision, housing management and maintenance, housing finance and tax policy, housing cost and affordability, social housing needs assessment, regulatory framework analysis and review, assessment of the legal & regulatory frameworks in support of the social housing sector (incl. housing database, etc), comparative analysis of social housing standards and policy measures in the region, two-fold analysis of social housing schemes (social and financial cost-benefit analysis etc), municipalities’ contribution, capacity needs assessment at central and local level, and technical assistance needs, rapid institutional reform proposal, set of housing related solutions and recommendations on selected pressing topics;
  • the Programme concept: an investment component, a technical assistance (TA) component and an information technology (IT) component. More specifically, the following issues should be covered: Institutional set-up and project management structure, technical assistance component, investment component, information technology component, selection of beneficiaries and allocation of housing units, programmatic matters and project cost
• Circulate the working draft with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) and respective housing staff and integrate potential comments;
• Initiate/participate in consultative meetings/workshops/focus groups (and other related activities) with respective institutions at local/central level in Kosovo, including civil society organizational and other relevant stakeholders
• Present to CTA and other relevant stakeholders reports on progress as well as problems and solutions
• Monitor and report on project progress
• Implement and manage change when necessary to meet project outputs
• Evaluate and assess the result of project
• Liaise with relevant regional and international housing institutions;

DELIVERABLES AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

The assignment is expected to be for 5 w/months (equivalent of 110 working days) over a period from January 2021 through June 2021. The contract includes three missions in Prishtina, Kosovo: January/February 2021 (5 w/days, dates tbc); February 2021 (3 w/days, dates tbc) and May (2 w/days, dates tbc) 2021.  During the assignment, the Task manager should provide/submit:

UN-Habitat Kosovo will be responsible for:
• Providing all required documentation and briefings to the Consultant
• Facilitating access to key informants
• Providing logistical support for the assessment exercise and the workshops with partners
• Providing comments to the inception report (work plan and methodology), questionnaires, ToRs, presentations, and working drafts of both: Kosovo-wide assessment report and proposal/programme concept

The Consultant will be responsible for:
• Conducting and delivering activities and outputs as outlined above
• Demonstrating professional and ethical standards in conducting the tasks
• Performing the tasks in line with the allocated time-frame
• Informing MuSPP management about progress of the assignment
• Delivering high quality products

All the activities will be conducted in cooperation with UN-Habitat office in Kosovo and the Land Housing and Shelter Section, and partner institutions. The above-mentioned outputs should be submitted in English.

The work shall be performed from UN-Habitat Office in Prishtina and home office. Some visits to partner institutions and municipalities will be organized for the assessment exercise. Logistical support such as transport to UN-Habitat partner municipalities (and translation whenever required) will be provided by organization.

A monthly progress report should be submitted regularly to the Chief Technical Advisor. A final report should be submitted at the end of the working period, detailing the activities, outputs and key observations. Both reports should be in English.

PROGRESS CONTROLS AND PAYMENT INSTALLMENTS
The fees will be paid in installments upon completion and acceptance of the outputs as specified in section Deliverables and Schedule above. A timesheet must be submitted by the individual contractor, duly approved by the CTA which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees. Payment amount will be based on actual days worked for that period.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to housing policies’, housing finances, housing needs assessments, etc. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, among which electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. Is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Uses time efficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Education and experience
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, Urban Planning, Architecture, or similar, is required;
• At least 5 years of general experience in leading international research/consultancy teams and/or government agencies/international organizations or similar, related to public or private investment, policies, evaluations or similar is required;
• At least 5 years of technical experience in the field of housing is required;
• Proven involvement in minimum two projects/programmes, i.e. housing feasibility study, operational programme and policy development;
• Demonstrated record in developing high-quality documents;
• Previous experience in the South East Europe region is an asset;
• Previous experience in Europe and transition countries is an additional asset.

Language
• English is the working language of UN-Habitat Kosovo Office; very good command of English is required – reading, writing and speaking; knowledge of local languages will be considered an advantage.

Others
• Outstanding experience within the housing sector, incl. housing legislation, policies and housing rights; Mastering social housing, affordable housing and principles of sustainable development, integrated planning and management;
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of best practices within the field of housing and urban management. International experience would be an advantage;
• Working knowledge of the Kosovo Law on Special housing Programmes;
• Solid experience in working and negotiating with municipalities/ministries and a wide range of actors;
• Capable of managing a team and undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open communication within the team and with partners;
• Good analytical, solution defining, creative and interpersonal skills;
• Computer skill is a requirement;

Special considerations
The candidate should be:
• Familiar with, and committed to the goals of UN-Habitat
• Willing to take responsibility, act professionally at all times, and make sure tasks are fully completed
• Able to work under pressure in diverse environments with minimum supervision
• Sensitive to gender issues and issues of concern to vulnerable groups
• Flexible and prepared to pursue goals through teamwork
• Able to meet deadlines for reporting and all project work
• Express enthusiasm and willingness to continue learning new skills and share experiences with other members of the team

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit an email quoting the post title and the duty station to the email address:

recruitment@unhabitat-kosovo.org

with the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Cover letter explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
2. Completion of a CV in P11 Form which can be downloaded at:
   http://unhabitat-kosovo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p11_form.doc
   The CV shall include information on the past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.
3. Financial Proposal. The offeror’s letter including form for the financial proposal can be downloaded at:
   http://unhabitat-kosovo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Financial_proposal_IC.docx

Deadline for applications: 7th January 2021

UN-Habitat does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org